Suitable Candidates

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is usually recommended under the following diagnoses:

• Fallopian tube damage and/or tubal blockages (if surgery is not recommended, or if conception has not occurred within 12 months of tubal surgery)
• Moderate to severe endometriosis (if conception has not occurred within 12 months of ablative surgery)
• Severe sperm dysfunction (and if unsuitable for IUI)
• Unexplained infertility

The following factors can impact the success of IVF:

Ovarian Reserve: If ovarian reserve is depleted there are insufficient oocytes available. This can occur earlier in life than expected and is called premature ovarian failure. This lack of available oocytes also occurs as a woman nears menopause, usually in her forties. These patients are counselled to consider donor eggs, adoption or living child free.

Age: If a woman is over 40, pregnancy rates decrease and miscarriage rates increase. Your healthcare provider should counsel you regarding your chances and provide clinic-specific statistics in this age group.

Sperm tests: A semen analysis is needed before assisted reproductive technologies are undertaken, the results of which may impact which procedure is recommended.

IVF is the standard assisted reproductive technology (ART), however there are others available such as gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) or zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT).